Every Child
Every child, no matter their community, background, or nationality, has equal rights and belongs. Investing in our children today lays the foundation for lasting peace and equality tomorrow.
This World Children’s Day, we celebrate the strength and potential of every child. And we remind ourselves of our collective responsibility to protect, support, and uplift them. From families and communities to organizations and international partners, we all have a role to play.
Yousef’s Story: A Journey Toward Mobility and Confidence
Case Management Officer Hassan meets with Yousef and his mother during a follow-up visit to check on his progress.
In a camp in Idlib’s Sarmada, Yousef* lives with his mother, father, and three siblings. Yousef has a physical impairment that affects his mobility, which on the past affected his ability to regularly attend school and play with other children.
“Life hasn’t been easy raising my children, especially my son Yousef. He has a tendon problem in his leg, and for years we were constantly going to doctors, doing what we could. He watches other kids walk to school while he couldn’t. It broke my heart.”
“We first met Yousef during a field visit,” says Hassan , a SARD Case Management Officer. “He didn’t have crutches, and moving around was painful for him. He often stayed home, sad and isolated.”
Yousef was enrolled under SARD’s Protection Project, Reduction of protection risks and strengthening of prevention for vulnerable children, adolescents and their families in northwest Syria. The program provides family-centered case management, psychosocial support, and access to multisectoral services thanks to funding from Caritas Germany.
Yousef started attending SARD’s Child-Friendly Space (CFS) in Idlib. There, he began attending psychosocial support sessions, joining activities, and reconnecting with other children. SARD also provided parenting awareness sessions, multipurpose cash assistance, and made a referral to an external organization to supply Yousef with crutches —a change that transformed every part of his daily life.
“With the cash grant, I bought heating supplies and saved some for Yousef’s surgery. After the operation, he improved even more. For the first time, Yousef could walk on his own. He started going to school by himself.”
Yousef walking to school with his mother.
“Now, he walks with confidence. He laughs, plays, and has friends. He’s active, social, and full of life again.”
Hassan adds, “Yousef is now attending school independently, engaging with peers, and experiencing childhood as every child deserves.”
Yousef’s story reflects how a holistic and family-centered protection approach can create a lasting change for Syria’s vulnerable children. We are deeply committed to reaching as many children as possible through our integrated protection services—case management, Child-Friendly Spaces, Emergency Shelter (IACC), and mobile Psychosocial Support. If you are interested in supporting our protection programs and helping us extend our reach, please contact info@sardngo.org or donate today.